Antibiotics

Scientists have pinpointed a gene that helps deadly E. coli bacteria evade antibiotics, potentially leading to better treatments for millions of people worldwide. The University of Queensland-led study found a particular form of the bacteria -- E. coli ST131 -- had a previously unnoticed gene that made it highly resistant…

The findings are not a reason to fear hedgehogs, say the researchers. Credit: Pia B. Hansen Scientists have found evidence that a type of the antibiotic resistant superbug MRSA arose in nature long before the use of antibiotics in humans and livestock, which has traditionally been blamed for its emergence.…

NewsUKResearchers are using computers to redesign existing antibiotics.(PA) (PA Wire) Scientists have made a “giant leap” using supercomputers to combat the greatest threat to human health posed by antibiotic resistance. Each year about 700,000 people are estimated to die because of antibiotic resistant bacteria, and that number is expected to…

Expression of the enzyme diguanylate cyclase (DGC2884, in green) by a bacteria called Pantoea sp. YR343 on tree roots when forming biofilms and colonizing those roots. Arrows indicate locations of bacterial colonization. Credit: Oak Ridge National Laboratory Some microbes can form thin films called biofilms. These biofilms give them an…

New research has moved a step closer to harnessing viruses to fight bacterial infection, reducing the threat of antibiotic resistance. A growing number of infections, including pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhoea, and salmonellosis, are developing antibiotic resistance, which means they becoming harder to treat, resulting in higher death rates, longer hospital stays…

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Scientists have spotted signs of 'pre-resistance' in bacteria for the first time—signs that particular bacteria are likely to become resistant to antibiotics in the future—in a new study led by UCL and Great Ormond Street Hospital researchers. The findings, published in Nature Communications, will allow doctors…

Salmonella survive antibiotic therapy in the white pulp (red) of the spleen. Credit: Biozentrum, University of Basel Antibiotics cure many bacterial infections. However, some patients suffer a relapse. A research group at the University of Basel has now discovered why some bacteria can survive antibiotic therapy. The team uncovered where…

More than 100 pharmaceutical drugs are facing supply chain shortages, according to the FDA.  Drugs currently listed as “in shortage” include antidepressants, antibiotics, heart medicines, cancer-fighting drugs and painkillers, Just the News reports.  “The FDA continues to take steps to monitor the supply chain,” the FDA wrote.  “The Drug Shortage…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against taking excess antibiotics, saying it accelerates the process of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), and leads to avoidable deaths. The warning was contained in a statement signed by the agency’s resident media consultant, Olusayo Akintola, and issued…

By Clare Wilson Colonies of MRSA bacteria on blood agar plate Rodolfo Parulan Jr/Getty Images A Netflix-style scheme to fund new antibiotics through a subscription – through which the health service pays drug companies a set annual fee, regardless of how many doses are used – will start next year…